Multi-ring gas burner for an appliance

ABSTRACT

A multi-ring gas burner for an appliance is provided. The burner includes an inner burner ring and an outer burner ring. The outer burner ring has a regulator positioned within a fuel chamber of the outer burner ring. The regulator controls a flow of fuel to outlets of the outer burner ring adjacent the regulator. The regulator can improve a uniformity of fuel flow through the outlets and thereby improve a uniformity of flames at the outlets.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to gas burners for appliances, such as cooktop appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain cooktop appliances include multi-ring gas burners. Such burners can include a center burner surrounded by one or more concentric burner rings. Fuel and air mixtures are generally introduced into such burners utilizing either of two methods. Certain multi-ring burners include vertically oriented mixing tubes, and other multi-ring burners include horizontally oriented mixing tubes. Each design has certain drawbacks.

Multi-ring burners with horizontally oriented mixing tubes, e.g., the one shown in U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0070791, can generally accommodate larger/longer mixing tubes thereby improving air and fuel mixing. Further, such burners can have a relatively low pressure gradient within the burners due to the relatively low velocity of the air/fuel mixture entering the burner head. However, multi-ring burners with horizontally oriented mixing tubes are generally costly to construct and difficult to service. Further, despite the relatively low pressure gradient within such burners, the air/fuel mixture exiting such burners' outlets can have uneven or non-uniform flames along the outlets.

Multi-ring burners with vertically oriented mixing tubes can be easy to construct and service. However, such burners can occupy more depth below the cooktop appliance's cooking surface. Further, such burners generally have a higher pressure gradient within the burners due to the relatively high velocity of the air/fuel mixture exiting the vertically oriented mixing tubes. Thus, the air/fuel mixture exiting such burners' outlets can have different flow rates and pressure drops thereby leading to uneven flames along the outlets.

To alleviate such non-uniformity, certain multi-ring burners include outlets having varying sizes. Such multi-ring burners can have relatively smaller outlets positioned adjacent the mixing tubes where the pressures are highest. The smaller outlets adjacent the mixing tubes can reduce the velocity of the air/fuel mixture exiting such outlets, particularly at higher air/fuel flow rates. However, at relatively low air/fuel flow rates where the internal pressure is substantially uniform, such multi-ring burners can have similar problems described above with the air/fuel mixture exiting such burners' outlets with different flow rates and pressures thereby leading to uneven flames along the outlets.

Alternatively, various multi-ring burners include a baffle positioned within the multi-ring burners adjacent the mixing tubes. Such baffles can decrease the speed of the air/fuel mixture entering the outlets adjacent the mixing tube(s). However, baffles can cause turbulence and recirculation of the air/fuel mixture proximate the adjacent outlets within the burner and have proven to have limited effectiveness in practice.

Accordingly, a multi-ring gas burner with features for improving uniformity of flames along outlets of the burner would be useful. In particular, a multi-ring gas burner with features for efficiently or economically improving uniformity of flames along outlets of the burner would be useful. Further, a multi-ring gas burner with features for improving uniformity of flames along outlets of the burner at both relatively high and relatively low fuel flow rates would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a multi-ring gas burner for an appliance. The burner includes an inner burner ring and an outer burner ring. The outer burner ring has a regulator positioned within a fuel chamber of the outer burner ring. The regulator controls a flow of fuel to outlets of the outer burner ring adjacent the regulator. The regulator can improve a uniformity of fuel flow through the outlets and thereby improve a uniformity of flames at the outlets. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a multi-ring gas burner for an appliance is provided. The gas burner defines a radial direction and a circumferential direction. The gas burner including an inner burner ring and an outer burner ring spaced apart from the inner burner ring along the radial direction. The outer burner ring defines an inlet, a fuel chamber, and a plurality of outlets. The inlet is configured for directing fuel into the fuel chamber. The outlets are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and are configured for directing fuel out of the fuel chamber. A regulator is mounted to the outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of the outer burner ring. The regulator is positioned adjacent the inlet of the outer burner ring. The regulator is also disposed between the inlet and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction. The regulator defines at least one slot. The regulator and the outer burner ring define a regulating chamber. The regulator is configured for directing fuel from the fuel chamber of the outer burner ring through the slots of the regulator into the regulating chamber. Fuel within the regulating chamber flows out of the regulating chamber through the at least one of the plurality of outlets of the outer burner ring.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a cooktop appliance is provided. The cooktop appliance defines a radial direction and a circumferential direction. The cooktop appliance includes a panel having a top surface for supporting food items for cooking A multi-ring gas burner is mounted to the panel at the top surface of the panel. The multi-ring gas burner is configured for heating food items. The multi-ring gas burner includes an inner burner ring and an outer burner ring spaced apart from the inner burner ring along the radial direction. The outer burner ring defines an inlet, a fuel chamber, and a plurality of outlets. The inlet is configured for directing fuel into the fuel chamber. The outlets are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and are configured for directing fuel out of the fuel chamber. A regulator is mounted to the outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of the outer burner ring. The regulator is positioned adjacent the inlet of the outer burner ring. The regulator is also disposed between the inlet and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction. The regulator defines at least one slot. The regulator and the outer burner ring define a regulating chamber. The regulator is configured for directing fuel from the fuel chamber of the outer burner ring through the at least one slot of the regulator into the regulating chamber. Fuel within the regulating chamber flows out of the regulating chamber through the at least one of the plurality of outlets of the outer burner ring.

In a third exemplary embodiment, a multi-ring gas burner for an appliance is provided. The gas burner defines a radial direction and a circumferential direction. The gas burner including an inner burner ring and an outer burner ring spaced apart from the inner burner ring along the radial direction. The outer burner ring defines at least two inlets, a fuel chamber, and a plurality of outlets. The inlets are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and are configured for directing fuel into the fuel chamber. The outlets are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and are configured for directing fuel out of the fuel chamber. A plurality of regulators is mounted to the outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of the outer burner ring. Each regulator of the plurality of regulators is positioned adjacent a respective one of the inlets of the outer burner ring. Each regulator of the plurality of regulators is also disposed between the respective one of the inlets and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction. Each regulator of the plurality of regulators defines at least one slot. Each regulator of the plurality of regulators and the outer burner ring define a regulating chamber. The regulators are configured for directing fuel from the fuel chamber of the outer burner ring through the at least one slot of the regulators into the regulating chambers. Fuel within the regulating chambers flows out of the regulating chambers through the at least one of the plurality of outlets of the outer burner ring.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a cooktop appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a multi-ring gas burner 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the multi-ring gas burner of FIG. 2 with a cover of the burner removed to reveal a fuel chamber of the burner.

FIG. 4 provides a top, plan view of the multi-ring gas burner of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a section view of the multi-ring gas burner of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cooktop appliance 100 as may be employed with the present subject matter. Cooktop appliance 100 includes a top panel 104. By way of example, top panel 104 may be constructed of glass, ceramics, enameled steel, and combinations thereof.

For cooktop appliance 100, a utensil holding food and/or cooking liquids (e.g., oil, water, etc.) may be placed onto grates 116 at a location of any of burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110. As shown in FIG. 1, burners assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 can be configured in various sizes so as to provide e.g., for the receipt of cooking utensils (i.e., pots, pans, etc.) of various sizes and configurations and to provide different heat inputs for such cooking utensils. Grates 116 are supported on a top surface 118 of top panel 104.

Burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 provide thermal energy to cooking utensils on grates 116. In particular, burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 extend through top panel 104 below grates 116. Burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 are also mounted to top panel 104.

A user interface panel 112 is located within convenient reach of a user of the cooktop appliance 100. For this exemplary embodiment, panel 112 includes knobs 114 that are each associated with one of burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110. Knobs 114 allow the user to activate each burner assembly and determine the amount of heat input provided by each burner assembly 106, 108, 109, and 110 to a cooking utensil located thereon. Panel 112 may also be provided with one or more graphical display devices that deliver certain information to the user such as e.g., whether a particular burner assembly is activated and/or the level at which the burner assembly is set.

Although shown with knobs 114, it should be understood that knobs 114 and the configuration of cooktop appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only. More specifically, user interface 112 may include various input components, such as one or more of a variety of touch-type controls, electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 112 may include other display components, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user.

Cooktop appliance 100 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, although described in the context of cooktop appliance 100, the present subject matter may be used in cooktop appliances having other configurations, e.g., a cooktop appliance with one, two, or more additional burner assemblies. Similarly, the present subject matter may be used in cooktop appliances that include an oven, i.e., range appliances.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a multi-ring gas burner 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of multi-ring gas burner 200 with a cover 222 of burner 200 removed to reveal a fuel chamber 226 of burner 200. Multi-ring gas burner 200 may be used in any suitable appliance, e.g., a range appliance or a cooktop appliance such as cooktop appliance 100 as one of burner assemblies 106, 108, 109, and 110 (FIG. 1). Burner 200 defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C.

Burner 200 includes multiple burner rings. In particular, burner 200 includes an inner burner ring 210 centrally disposed relative to an outer burner ring 220 that concentrically surrounds inner burner ring 210. Although shown with a single outer burner ring in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in alternative exemplary embodiments, burner 200 may include multiple outer burner rings that concentrically surround inner burner ring 210. By providing multiple burner rings (e.g., inner and outer burner rings 210 and 220), heating of cooking utensils can be improved. For example, multiple burner rings can apply heat more evenly or uniformly to such cooking utensils.

Inner burner ring 210 has a top 212 and defines an inlet or entrance 214 (FIG. 5) and a plurality of outlets or exits 216. Exits 216 are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction C. Entrance 214 receives fuel from a fuel supply (not shown) and directs such fuel to exits 216. At exits 216 such fuel may be combusted, e.g., to heat cooking utensils and food items located therein.

Outer burner ring 220 is spaced apart from inner burner ring 210 along the radial direction R. Outer burner ring 220 includes cover 222 and defines at least two inlets 224, fuel chamber 226, and a plurality of outlets 228. Inlets 224 are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction C. Further, inlets 224 are configured for receiving fuel from the fuel supply and air and directing such fuel/air mixture into fuel chamber 226. Outlets 228 are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction C and are configured for directing fuel out of fuel chamber 226. At outlets 228 such fuel may be combusted, e.g., to heat cooking utensils and food items located therein.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, inlets 224 include a first inlet 240 and a second inlet 242. First inlet 240 is spaced apart from second inlet 242 by about one-hundred and eighty degrees along the circumferential direction C. In alternative exemplary embodiments, first inlet 240 may be spaced apart from second inlet 242 by any suitable amount, e.g., about ninety degrees, about sixty degrees, or any other suitable angle.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a velocity of the fuel entering fuel chamber 226 through first and second entrances 240 and 242 can induce a pressure gradient within fuel chamber 226 such that fuel exiting fuel chamber through outlets 228 has different velocities and/or flow rates at various outlets of outlets 228. For example, fuel exiting certain outlets of outlets 228 can have a greater velocity and/or flow rate relative to fuel exiting other outlets of outlets 228. Burner 200 includes features for regulating and/or controlling a flow of fuel through outlets 228. Such features can improve a uniformity of fuel flow through outlets 228 and thereby improve a uniformity of flames at outlets 228.

In particular, burner 200 includes a regulator 230 for regulating and/or controlling a flow of fuel through outlets 228 as discussed in greater detail below. Regulator 230 is mounted to outer burner ring 220 within fuel chamber 226 of outer burner ring 220. Regulator 230 is positioned adjacent one of inlets 224. In particular regulator 230 is positioned adjacent first inlet 240. Regulator 230 is disposed between first inlet 240 and at least two outlets 236 of outlets 228 along the radial direction R. Regulator 230 defines at least two slots 232. Slots 232 are positioned adjacent first inlet 240 and, in particular, between the at least two outlets 236 and first inlet 240 along the radial direction R.

Regulator 230 is configured such that fuel from fuel chamber 226 is hindered from entering a regulating chamber 234 and the at least two outlets 236 except through slots 232. Thus, regulator 230 extends upwardly from an interior surface 221 of outer burner ring 220, e.g., along the axial direction. Regulator 230 extends upwardly from interior surface 221 to cover 222 when cover 222 is positioned on outer burner ring 220 as shown in FIG. 2, e.g., in order to hinder fuel from entering fuel chamber 226 except through slots 232.

Burner 200 also includes an additional regulator 250 mounted to outer burner ring 220 within fuel chamber 226 of outer burner ring 220. Additional regulator 250 is spaced apart from regulator 230 along the circumferential direction C. Additional regulator 250 is positioned adjacent second inlet 242 and, in particular, between second inlet 242 and at least two other outlets 254 of outlets 228 along the radial direction R. Additional regulator 250 also defines at least two slots 252 that function in a similar manner to slots 232 of regulator 230. Operation and function of regulator 230 is discussed in greater detail below; however, additional regulator 250 operates and functions in a similar manner and includes similar features.

FIG. 4 provides a top, plan view of burner 200. As may be seen in FIG. 4, regulator 230 and outer burner ring 220 define a regulating chamber 234, e.g., therebetween. Regulator 230 is configured for directing fuel from fuel chamber 226 of outer burner ring 220 through slots 232 of regulator 230 into regulating chamber 234. Fuel within regulating chamber 234 can flow out of regulating chamber 234 through the at least two outlets 236 of outlets 228.

Slots 232 of regulator 230 can impart friction losses to a velocity of fuel passing through slots 232 and entering regulating chamber 234, thereby reducing the pressure within the regulating chamber 234. By reducing the pressure of fuel within regulating chamber 234 and allowing it to expand, the pressure within regulating chamber 234 becomes substantially uniform, e.g., about equal to the pressure within fuel chamber 226. Thus, fuel can exit each outlet of outlets 228 at about a uniform pressure and velocity and flames at each outlet of outlets 228 can be uniform as well. Certain features of regulator 230 can assist with reducing the velocity and/or pressure of fuel within regulating chamber 234.

In particular, slots 232 of regulator 230 and the at least two outlets 236 of outlets 228 are unaligned along the radial direction R such that slots 232 and the at least two outlets 236 are non-collinear along the radial direction R. Further, slots 232 may be sized relative to the at least two outlets 236 of outlets 228 to assist with reducing the pressure of fuel within regulating chamber 234. In particular, each slot of slots 232 has a cross-sectional area in a plane that is perpendicular to the radial direction R, and each outlet of the at least two outlets 236 has a cross-sectional area in a plane that is perpendicular to the radial direction R. A total cross-sectional area of slots 232 may be less than a total cross-sectional area of the at least two outlets 236 of outlets 228. In particular, the total cross-sectional area of slots 232 may be between about forty percent and about sixty percent, between about forty-five percent and about fifty-five percent, or about fifty percent of the total cross-sectional area of the at least two outlets 236 of outlets 228.

FIG. 5 provides a section view of burner 200. As may be seen in FIG. 5, inlets 224 of outer burner ring 220 and entrance 214 of inner burner ring 210 include Venturi mixing tubes 260 for assisting with mixing of fuel and air entering outer burner ring 220 and inner burner ring 210. As discussed above, burner 200 includes features for regulating and/or controlling a flow of fuel through outlets 228.

As an example, during operation of burner 200, a fuel and air mixture can flow into burner 200. In particular, such fuel and air mixture can enter inner burner ring 210 at entrance 214 of inner burner ring 210 and outer burner ring 220 at inlets 224 of outer burner ring 220. Venturi mixing tubes 260 can assist with mixing of fuel and air within entrance 214 of inner burner ring 210 and inlets 224 of outer burner ring 220. However, such fuel and air mixture can exit Venturi mixing tubes 260 at a relatively high velocity. Further, a pressure of such fuel and air mixture can increase upon impacting top 212 and cover 222.

Entrance 214 of inner burner ring 210 is symmetrically or concentrically positioned relative to exits 216 of inner burner ring 210 such that the fuel and air mixture can flow uniformly out of exits 216 of inner burner ring 210. However, inlets 224 of outer burner ring 220 are non-symmetrically or non-concentrically positioned relative to outlets 228 of outer burner ring 220. Thus, without regulator 230 and additional regulator 250, the fuel and air mixture entering fuel chamber 226 at inlets 224 can exit outlets 228 adjacent inlets 224 at a higher velocity and flow rate relative to outlets 228 not positioned adjacent inlets 224.

Regulator 230 and additional regulator 250 assist with reducing a velocity and/or flow rate of the fuel and air mixture entering the at least two outlets 236 of outlets 228 and the at least two other outlets 254 of outlets 228, respectively, e.g., proportional to the pressure in fuel chamber 226. Thus, regulator 230 and additional regulator 250 can assist with regulating or controlling the velocity and/or pressure of fuel within outer burner ring 220 such that fuel and air can exit each outlet of outlets 228 at about a uniform pressure and velocity and flames at each outlet of outlets 228 can be uniform as well over a range of inlet flows.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-ring gas burner for an appliance, the gas burner defining a radial direction and a circumferential direction, the gas burner comprising: an inner burner ring; an outer burner ring spaced apart from said inner burner ring along the radial direction, said outer burner ring defining an inlet, a fuel chamber, and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured for directing fuel into the fuel chamber, the outlets spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and configured for directing fuel out of the fuel chamber; and a regulator mounted to said outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring, said regulator positioned adjacent the inlet of said outer burner ring, said regulator disposed between the inlet and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction, said regulator defining at least one slot; wherein said regulator and said outer burner ring define a regulating chamber, said regulator configured for directing fuel from the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring through the at least one slot of said regulator into the regulating chamber, the regulating chamber configured for directing fuel out of the regulating chamber through the at least one of the plurality of outlets of said outer burner ring.
 2. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot of said regulator and the at least one of the plurality of outlets are unaligned along the radial direction.
 3. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein said outer burner ring comprises a first inlet and a second inlet, the first inlet spaced apart from the second inlet along the circumferential direction, said regulator positioned adjacent the first inlet.
 4. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 3, further comprising an additional regulator mounted to said outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring, said additional regulator positioned adjacent the second inlet of said outer burner ring, said additional regulator disposed between said second inlet and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction, said additional regulator defining at least one slot.
 5. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein said regulator hinders fuel from entering the regulating chamber except through the at least one slot of said regulator.
 6. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein each slot of the at least one slot of said regulator has a cross-sectional area in a plane that is perpendicular to the radial direction and each outlet of the at least one outlet of said outer burner ring has a cross-sectional area in a plane that is perpendicular to the radial direction, a total cross-sectional area of the at least one slot being between about forty percent and about sixty percent of a total cross-sectional area of the at least one outlet.
 7. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein said inner burner ring defines an entrance and a plurality of exits, the exits spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction, the entrance configured for directing fuel to the exits.
 8. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot of said regulator is positioned adjacent the inlet.
 9. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein the inlet comprises a Venturi mixing tube.
 10. The multi-ring gas burner of claim 1, wherein fuel exits each outlet of the plurality of outlets at a substantially uniform pressure and velocity.
 11. A cooktop appliance, the cooktop appliance defining a radial direction and a circumferential direction, the cooktop appliance comprising: a panel having a top surface for supporting food items for cooking; and a multi-ring gas burner mounted to said panel at the top surface of said panel, said multi-ring gas burner configured for heating food items, said multi-ring gas burner comprising an inner burner ring; an outer burner ring spaced apart from said inner burner ring along the radial direction, said outer burner ring defining an inlet, a fuel chamber, and a plurality of outlets, the inlet configured for directing fuel into the fuel chamber, the outlets spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and configured for directing fuel out of the fuel chamber; and a regulator mounted to said outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring, said regulator positioned adjacent the inlet of said outer burner ring, said regulator disposed between the inlet and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction, said regulator defining at least one slot; wherein said regulator and said outer burner ring define a regulating chamber, said regulator configured for directing fuel from the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring through the at least one slot of said regulator into the regulating chamber, the regulating chamber configured for directing fuel out of the regulating chamber through the at least one of the plurality of outlets of said outer burner ring.
 12. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, wherein the at least one slot of said regulator and the at least one of the plurality of outlets are unaligned along the radial direction.
 13. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, wherein said outer burner ring comprises a first inlet and a second inlet, the first inlet spaced apart from the second inlet along the circumferential direction, said regulator positioned adjacent the first inlet.
 14. The cooktop appliance of claim 13, wherein said multi-ring gas burner further comprises an additional regulator mounted to said outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring, said additional regulator positioned adjacent the second inlet of said outer burner ring, said additional regulator disposed between the second inlet and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction, said additional regulator defining at least one slot.
 15. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, said regulator hinders fuel from entering the regulating chamber except through the at least one slot of said regulator.
 16. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, wherein each slot of the at least one slot of said regulator has a cross-sectional area in a plane that is perpendicular to the radial direction and each outlet of the at least one outlet of said outer burner ring has a cross-sectional area in a plane that is perpendicular to the radial direction, a total cross-sectional area of the at least one slot being between about forty percent and about sixty percent of a total cross-sectional area of the at least one outlet.
 17. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, wherein said inner burner ring defines an entrance and a plurality of exits, the exits spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction, the entrance configured for directing fuel to the exits.
 18. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, wherein the at least one slot of said regulator are positioned adjacent the inlet.
 19. The cooktop appliance of claim 11, wherein the inlet comprise a Venturi mixing tube.
 20. A multi-ring gas burner for an appliance, the gas burner defining a radial direction and a circumferential direction, the gas burner comprising: an inner burner ring; an outer burner ring spaced apart from said inner burner ring along the radial direction, said outer burner ring defining at least two inlets, a fuel chamber, and a plurality of outlets, the inlets spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and configured for directing fuel into the fuel chamber, the outlets spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction and configured for directing fuel out of the fuel chamber; and a plurality of regulators mounted to said outer burner ring within the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring, each regulator of said plurality of regulators positioned adjacent a respective one of the inlets of said outer burner ring, each regulator of said plurality of regulators disposed between the respective one of the inlets and at least one of the plurality of outlets along the radial direction, each regulator of said plurality of regulators defining at least one slot; wherein each regulator of said plurality of regulators and said outer burner ring define a respective regulating chamber, said regulators configured for directing fuel from the fuel chamber of said outer burner ring through the at least one slot of said regulators into the regulating chambers, the regulating chambers configured for directing fuel out of the regulating chambers through the respective at least one of the plurality of outlets of said outer burner ring. 